Shield Nickels
March 18th, 2009
Although a five cent piece had been struck since 1794, the denomination did not reach its current form until 1866 when the Shield Nickel was produced. This coin used a composition of 75% copper and 25% nickel, rather than the silver based composition of the half dime. The series was relatively short and ran from 1866 to 1883 before being replaced with the Liberty Head Nickel. The Shield Nickel series does contain some major rarities in both circulation and proof strikes.
Shield Nickel Coin Specifications
| Dates: | 1866 - 1883 |
| Mints: | Philadelphia |
| Composition: | 75% copper |
| 25% nickel | |
| Weight: | 5.0 grams |
| 0.16 ounces | |
| Diameter: | 20.50 mm |
| 0.81 inches |